CREWE Libary is set to reopen on July 6 - but with strict safety measures.

The amenity, based at Crewe Lifestyle Centre, is among the first of seven Cheshire libraries opening its doors again after more than three months shuttered.

Cheshire East Council plans on reopening its 16 libraries and library services on a phased basis, but anyone using public computers and customer service points will have to book an appointment in advance.

Following the pandemic, strict deep cleaning and quarantining of books will become routine and the numbers of people allowed into libraries is being limited. Opening hours are reduced to allow the precautionary measures to be carried out. Books picked up by readers will be shelved into quarantine for 72 hours.

Newspapers and magazines will not be available, some seating areas and meeting spaces have been removed and public meeting rooms are closed.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: "Our library services are going to look a lot different but social distancing and the safety of our library members and users, and our staff, is absolutely paramount.

"There is a quarantine period for books and with all the deep cleaning and other measures we need to take, this is bound to impact on the service and our ability to operate in the way that we are used to."

Fourteen of Cheshire's libraries should be open again by July 20, but owing to difficulties in ensuring safe social distancing Alderley Edge, Prestbury and the library mobile library service will follow later.

Customers with books to return can do so by depositing them in drop boxes - the nearest are at Alsager and Nantwich.

Any overdue charges are being suspended until August 31.